By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) committed to ensure stronger protection for media workers as it launches an investigation into the death of a radio announcer in Negros Occidental.
Julito Diamante Calo, 49, host of the program “Waswasanay sa Quinto Distrito” on 88.3 DNN News FM, was fatally shot on March 20 in Sitio Lapak Kawayanan, Barangay Robles, La Castellana.
Calo, who was also a job order employee of the local government, was standing outside his home when a white sports utility vehicle approached and one of its occupants shot him in the head, killing him instantly.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Monday said tracker teams were mobilized to hunt down those behind the attack.
“The PNP condemns in the strongest terms the killing of a broadcast journalist in Negros Occidental,” he said in a news release.
“We assure the public and the media community that we will look closely into this case to arrest and charge all those involved in this senseless killing.”
Nartatez said they are validating all leads to ensure a solid case will be filed.
The PNP will also coordinate with the Presidential Task Force on Media Security to assess existing threats to other media workers in the area.
The PNP chief urged the public and media community to continue reporting threats, promising that police resources will be fully mobilized to protect journalists.
National Press Club (NPC) president Leonel Magistrado Abasola condemned the killing of Calo, saying the latest attack on a journalist is a big threat to press freedom and the safety of journalists in our country.
“We, the NPC officers, extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the broadcaster. Calo’s death serves as a reminder of the dangers that media practitioners face in the line of duty,” Abasola said in a statement.
Abasola called on the authorities to conduct a deeper investigation to capture the perpetrators of the grisly crime.
“We call on local law enforcement agencies to prioritize and expedite the investigation of this case, as initial police investigations showed that Mr. Calo was standing in front of his house near the road when a white SUV approached from the direction of La Carlota City, when an assailant from the vehicle shot him before fleeing toward La Castellana town center,” he said.
He said safeguarding press freedom is a collective responsibility, urging all stakeholders, including media organizations and civil society, to unite in defending the fundamental rights of journalists and ensuring their safety. (PNA)
